Which cabin on Zaandam to Alaska

[pmolsen]

Doing the Inside Passage 7-day tour on 21 May 2005. Budget level, second ever cruise. Was originally considering inside MM or M but then saw a post somewhere recommending an aft cabin I7083 or I7086. Not much dearer - they are classed as inside but open onto the rear deck on Navigation level.

Pros that I see:
- Open directly onto deck. Can quickly return to get jacket, spare batteries etc.
- Sheltered position on rear deck if cold/windy.
- Some views but at an inside cabin price.
- Close to Lido deck and dining.

Cons/questions:
- Noise from people walking past.
- People can look into cabin.
- What will the motion be like compared with midships?
- How much noise and vibration from engines? (HAL said not too bad up on that level).
- Noise from the deck above? (Not likely to be too many people around outdoor pool at night in Alaska methinks.)

The other option would probably be an M cabin midships. I see on the deck plan that there is empty space adjacent to them. Does anyone know what that is? I am worried that it might be noisy kitchens or something.

[grannynurse]

The higher and more forward you are, the more chance for motion. If motion concerns you, choose a midship cabin on a lower deck. If you have an outside cabin that faces pedestrian traffic you will have to keep your drapes drawn at night when you have lights on in the cabin.

Choose your cabin according to your likes, dislikes, and priorities. We try to be close to the midship elevators as I have a slight mobility problem. The Zaandam is 780 feet long, and is not a small ship.

Being close to the Lido may be a plus for you, but think of the music for several hours during the day, and the bandstand is on the forward section of the Lido.
Hope this helps,
GN

[MBeamTX]

We've had A and B mini-suites on Zaandam (both times in Alaska) ... B6208 and A7057, I believe. These are not quite as far aft as the cabin you're considering, but both decks were quiet and the convenient access to the aft elevators was great. The open deck at back was a great place to whale watch and either of the cabins you're looking at would put you right there.

I'd guess that you might hear some noise in the morning, if deck chairs are being moved around at the aft pool. We did use the loungers there, even in early June. We had great weather in Skagway and enjoyed lounging in the sun with a light blanket.

Personally, I'd probably go for one of these cabins, rather than an inside at mid-ship on a lower deck, if those were my choices.

Happy cruising,
Susan

[Budget Queen]

Go with what your budget allows and be certain to budget fully for costly excursions- you get only half a trip without them. :) I do not like aft views myself in Alaska, I greatly prefer the scenery and marine wildlife coming toward me. :) Binoculars are necessary- but this section gets raves from passengers for the shelter. Best is to be well prepare in your attire- way too many people are not and it greatly impacts on your touring. HAL has superb deck viewing space. As mentioned- motion will be more- it is also a BIG myth that the Inside Passage is smooth as glass it is NOT always. Be prepared for motion if prone to seasickness.